“Notte Magica” in New York: Il Volo Brings a Taste of Italy to Radio City Music Hall
Before launching the highly anticipated U.S. leg of their world tour, the globally acclaimed Italian operatic-pop trio Il Volo sat down for a lively, chaotic interview with 1010 WINS’ Rebecca Granet at the Adorama Live Theatre.
Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble—who describe themselves more like three brothers than a standard musical group—brought their signature blend of humor, charm, and unscripted Italian style to the studio ahead of their opening night at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.
The Vision: Honoring the Three Tenors
The tour, titled “Notte Magica” (Magical Night), is a direct, loving tribute to the trio’s musical idols: Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and José Carreras.
[The Notte Magica Repertoire]
├── 70% Classical: Traditional Italian masterworks like "Torna a Surriento"
├── Opera Arias: Sweeping movements concluding with the iconic "Nessun Dorma"
└── American Classics: Crossover standards like "My Way" and Broadway tracks from "West Side Story"
Despite the members of Il Volo being in their early 20s when the concept was born—years after the original Three Tenors held their historic 1990 concert in Rome—the music represents a deep family lineage. Gianluca credited his grandfather for introducing him to opera as a young boy, while Piero recalled his piano teacher gifting him a DVD of the legendary concert, setting his career path in motion.
A Historic Endorsement: “Many artists have done a tribute to the Three Tenors,” Piero noted. “But never with the collaboration of the three of them. We are so honored to have Plácido Domingo on stage and the support of the Pavarotti Foundation.”
Navigating the Orchestra Rules
For the first time on tour, the group is backed by a massive 55+ piece live symphonic orchestra, a transition that brought a hilarious learning curve regarding high-art stage etiquette.
The trio laughingly shared their first rehearsal blunder: when a correction needed to be made, the boys simply shouted over the instruments, calling out, “No, stop, stop! You have to do this!” They quickly learned from a bewildered conductor that protocol strictly dictates singers never speak directly to individual players or the first violin—all notes must go exclusively through the Maestro.
Rapid-Fire Insights: The “10 for 10” Game
During a quick-witted rapid-fire segment, the trio gave fans a peek into their off-stage dynamics, demonstrating their close, brotherly bond.
| Question | Answered By / Result | The Reveal |
| Most Romantic? | Gianluca | Unanimously chosen by the group. |
| Biggest Pranksters? | Piero & Ignazio | Both admit to constantly setting up jokes on tour. |
| Most Fashionable? | Gianluca | Known for needing everything perfectly matched and buttoned up. |
| Pre-Show Ritual? | The Trio | They lock hands in a heavy, powerful handshake right before walking out. |
| The “Singing Chef”? | Ignazio | Keeps the group fed on tour, though Piero’s favorite dish is pasta with tomato, turkey, and avocado. |
A Universal Bond with American Fans
When asked what sets the United States audience apart from crowds in Europe or Asia, the trio highlighted the expressive, deeply affectionate nature of American listeners.
“Every time we finish a song, it’s a standing ovation,” Ignazio shared warmly. “It feels like having a big family in every single theater—like an uncle or an aunt cheering you on.” Gianluca added that the silence during notes is often shattered by passionate fans screaming out from the balconies, demanding to know how they managed to hit such impossible pitches.
Before wrapping up, the trio put their playful bickering aside to offer a brief, spine-tingling acapella vocal demonstration for the host. Bringing the interview to a close, they invited fans of all ages—from 1 to 92—to join them on their journey to transport audiences straight to Italy for one magical night.